Dusan Nikolic (191-PG-2005) is a 20 year old 190cm guard playing his fifth season with the Skyliners Organization. He played many years in the NBBL (U-19) team where he made big strides averaging 16.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 88.2% and PPG-5 (21.4), 5.0rpg, 3.0apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 76.5% in his last 2 seasons. Last season he played his first full season in the Pro B averaging 8.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 78.0%. He is also injured, but will return to action soon. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Dusan for talking to germanhoops.com. Your injured at the moment. How did it occur? I was very unfortunate getting injured during the first week of pre season. I suffered a foot injury.
What is your status and when will you be back in action? I´m in the process of making a full recovery. I hope to be in action in the next weeks.
How is the rehab going? What have you been doing?
My rehab has been going well. I have done a lot of foot exercises as well as well as calf exercises.
On what areas of your game did you work on last summer?
I mostly worked on my shooting and getting my body stronger and on my athleticism.
What are your personal expectations coming into the 2025-2026 season?
My expectations are to be a leader and take on even more responsibility than last season. As a team we want to play aggressive and quick. We want to win as many games as possible.
Last season you made a big jump in the Pro B averaging 8/3/1. How did your game grow? I got more experience and played with more confidence. I gained more responsibility with more minutes.
You became more of a leader. How did you see your development there? My leadership skills grew with time. A big help was Philip Hadenfeld. When he left for his semester break, I fell into the roll of being a leader. My communication got a lot better.
Your three pointer is still a work in progress. Last season in the Pro B you shot 21%. Will you shoot better this season? I hope so. New coach Markus Klusemann helped me a lot. We worked on my shot during the summer. He helped me with my mechanics first and then it was just reps, reps and reps. My shot feels good.
You had many big games last season like scoring 21 points against Coburg. What was your favorite game? My favorite game last season was the home game against Ulm. I did a bit of everything in that game.
What is your impression of the 2025-2026 Skyliners Juniors? This is a very interesting team. It is a lot younger than the last years. It will be exciting. We are young and wild.
The team is younger than ever. Will a lack of experience be a problem?
That is hard to say. I mean we are young, but enough guys who have played at the Pro B level. We won´t have the most experience in the league, but we will find ways to win.
What is your impression of massive 18 year old talent Lukas Smazak from the Czech Republic? Lukas is very intelligent and has a good game. He has a great passing game and his shooting is underrated.
If Jamie Edoka and Ivan Crnjac are out, will you be the go to guy? I don´t know. I hope so. My expectations for myself are that I would be.
What is your biggest wish this season as a player?
I just want to make another step in my game. I want to show and prove that I´m ready for the next step in a higher league. I want to be a leader and make a difference this season.
Justin Edler-Davis (193-G/F-1998, college: CSUB) is a 27 year old 193cm guard from San Diego, California playing his fourth professional season and first with the Veolia Towers Hamburg. Last season he played with CSO Voluntari (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 14.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 48.2%, FT-3 (91.6%); and in the ENBL averaged 14.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 74.5%, 3PT: 46.7%, FT: 90.7%. In the 2023-2024 season he played with KB Peja (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 17.4ppg, Reb-3 (9.2rpg), 2.0apg, Steals-2 (2.0spg), FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 78.8%. He played his rookie season with S.C. Lusitania EXPERT (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 15.8ppg, Reb-3 (8.5rpg), 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT-3 (90.0%). He began his career at Morse high school and then played at California State University Bakersfield (NCAA) from 2017-2022 playing a total of 147 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Justin for talking to germanhoops.com. After stints in Portugal, Kosovo and Romaina, you now
will play in Germany for BBL team Hamburg Towers. How blessed do you feel?
I am extremely happy and thankful any time a club gives me an opportunity to represent them. I
am excited to get things going with the Towers.
You have proven in every league that you can be a top scorer and rebounder. How confident are you
that your consistency will continue in Germany?
I am confident that I can continue the consistency into any league I play in because of the work I
put into my game. I feel as though my work is translatable and I can make the necessary changes to
be productive in Germany.
What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?
From an outside perspective I have only heard positive things about the country of Germany as a
whole. The BBL is a league that I have followed since I have become a professional and somewhere
that I have wanted to play because it is a high level league and is seen all over the world.
Have you had any friends or former teammates or opponents play in Germany besides Justin McCall?
Off the top of my head Deandre Lansdowne is a guy that comes to mind. He trains in my
hometown during the offseason and he was my opponent in the FIBA Europe Cup when I was in
Kosovo.
You will play for BBL team Hamburg Towers. Was playing Eurocup one of major reasons why you
signed there?
Playing in the EuroCup was a major factor because it is a level that I believe I should be on and
pairing that with playing in the BBL was something that became difficult to refuse.
How did the talks go with head coach Benka Barloschky. What did you appreciate right away from his
basketball philosophy?
Talks with Benka went well starting from our first conversation, we connected well and he showed
that he was intrigued with me as a player. I appreciate that he’s a coach that likes to play with
tempo because I believe that it is an attractive brand of basketball and one that suits my game
well.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA
player who would best fit the description?
I have always tried to model my game after Kawhi Leonard even though I’m not as tall as him. His
versatility on both sides of the floor is what I have always aspired to have. Mid-range pull ups
offensively, defensive switch ability. Things like that are what I have tried to incorporate into my
game.
You score the ball really well and are an excellent rebounder for your height. What other strengths
does your game have?
Another strength is that I am switchable defensively and guard 1-4 maybe even 1-5 depending on
the matchups. I believe my defensive versatility is underrated.
You’re a really good rebounder. How do you explain this and do you have a particular rebounding
guard that you like to watch?
My rebounding comes from when I was playing position 4 throughout my college career and
learning how to get the ball off the rim as well as positioning. I always watched PJ Tucker
specifically when he was on the Rockets and he was their starting center. We are the same height
& weight so it was natural to watch him.
You were always an ok three point shooter but last season in Romania shot 48% and in the ENBL shot
46%. How do you explain this crazy rise last season?
My shooting became an emphasis the summer before this past season and it was something that I
dedicated a lot of time into. Those shooting percentages are products of fixing slight form issues
that I had in my shot and I also improved my shot selection which helped my percentages.
How would you describe yourself at the moment as a defender? Where would you like to take your
defensive game to?
Like I said earlier I believe I am quite versatile defensively the biggest thing I would have to
become better at is when I am a help-side defender.
On what areas of your game are you working on most so you be best prepared for Germany?
I am dedicating a lot of my time to my ball handling and being able to create for myself off the
dribble I think those would be things other teams would put on my scouting report.
Last season you played for CSO Voluntari (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 14.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 48.2%, FT-3 (91.6%); and in the ENBL averaged 14.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 74.5%, 3PT: 46.7%,
FT: 90.7%;. You had a long post season playing 14 games. You lost a tough playoff series to Valcea.
What will you always remember from that series most?
What I will remember most from that series is us fighting back to get the series to a
fifth game. It would have been easy for us to be ready to be done especially in a third
place series but we showed character and continued to play.
How special will this season always be? You won the ENBL title as well as Cup. What made
this team so special?
For me it is one of the more special seasons I have had in my career, winning 2
trophies in one season is really hard to do. What made our team so special was how
together we were, everyone in the club from the owners all the way to our chefs &
custodians were great people and it contributed to us having a successful season.
What was it like being teammates with Mike Caffey? That guy has seen it all including the
Ukraine war in 2022.
Mike is a great guy off the court as well as a great teammate, he put us in a lot of
positions to not only score because he was one of the leaders in assists but he was
the engine for our season and one of the main reasons we were successful.
You played your second pro season with KB Peja (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 17.4ppg, Reb-
3 (9.2rpg), 2.0apg, Steals-2 (2.0spg), FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 78.8%; FIBA Europe Cup
averaged 15.8ppg, 9.7rpg, 3.3apg, 3.0spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 85.7%; Balkan League
averaged20.8ppg), Reb-2 (10.0rpg), 2.5apg, Steals-2 (1.6spg), FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT-2 (88.6%). You were so consistent. Was this your best season as a pro?
I wouldn’t say it was my best season as a pro because we fell short in winning trophies, we were
expected to win and didn’t so that was a bit disappointing not winning a single trophy or even getting to a final.
You played your rookie season with S.C. Lusitania EXPERT (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 15.8ppg, Reb-
3 (8.5rpg), 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT-3 (90.0%). What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?
The wake up call for me was the way of life, especially being on an island. Being from California it was
completely different than what I was used to but I think that I adjusted well.
You had many great games including against top teams FC Porto and Benfica. What was your nicest
memory in Portugal that season?
I would say the nicest moment for me was making it to the cup final four that season, even though
we didn’t win it was special for Lusitania because they aren’t the biggest club so it was nice to
represent them in that way.
You played at the California State University Bakersfield from 2017-2022. You never averaged over 10,0ppg. What kind of role did you have and how did your game grow in these 5 years?
My position in college was mainly the small ball 4 so my role consisted of getting my offense out of being the screener in pick and pops and rebounding which is why I feel like I’ve become a decent rebounder.
You had so many great games there like sinking a buzzer beater at Idaho. What was your fondest moment there?
I played against a lot of bigger schools like Arizona, Gonzaga, Arkansas, UCLA, USC I would say being
able to compete on that level and in those facilities are something that I will always remember.
How did head coach Rod Barnes groom and prepare you best for a pro career?
Coach Barnes taught me how to have a proper work ethic in terms of getting in the weight room,
extra shots, etc and learning that is the reason why I am in the position I am now.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Travis Henson?
We didn’t play much 1-1 from what I remember but if we do play it would be close for sure
because he’s a great player but obviously I think I will win.
Who is the toughest player that you ever played against that reached the NBA or Euroleague?
Toughest player I’ve ever played against was Demar Derozan in the Drew League which is a
summer pro-am league based in Los Angeles. I was guarding him the entire game and thought I was
playing good defense until I looked at the stats after the game and he had 30 points.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
This is tough. I’d say the 5 best teammates I’ve had since being a pro are:
Derek Jackson, Trey Moses, Mike Caffey, Lee Skinner and Jay Jay Chandler
Please list your NBA, Euroleague and German Mount Rushmore? That means your 5 best players?
NBA: LeBron James,Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Shawn Scott (185-G-1996, college: SW Christian) is a 29 year old 185cm guard that is playing fifth pro season and first with Pro B team Lok Bernau. Last season he played with the TSV Neustadt temps Shooters averaging 16.8ppg, 6.1rpg, 3.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 77.9%. In the 2023-2024 season he played with BG Hagen averaging 30.1ppg, 9.0rpg, Assists-2 (5.9apg), Steals-5 (2.7spg), FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 78.0%. In 2022-2023 he split time with TVO Biggesee / TV Jahn Lindhorst (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%, in Jan.’23 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 64.4%. He began his career at Jenks High School and then played 3 seasons at Southwestern Christian University. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball
Thanks Shawn for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?
Thanks for having me. I’m currently in Phoenix, Arizona. Basketball life has been treating me well, I’ve been working with a personal trainer and preparing for the next season.
You had a very good personal season for TSV Neustadt temps Shooters (Germany Pro averaging 16.8ppg, 6.1rpg, 3.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 77.9%. Despite the great personal season how tough was losing so much? Honestly, it was a great learning experience. It was a very humbling experience because I wasn’t used to losing that much in a season, but I learned a lot and noticed things that really make a difference between winning and losing games.
The team lost the first 9 games. How did you stay focused after that? It was tough, but if you really want to get out of that slump, you have to do all the necessary things that will help the situation and having team meetings and paying more attention to details, played a big role in getting us out of that.
Did you have to turn anything around with your game after the 9 game losing streak? Did you feel like you had to do more?
I think the main thing was I had to be more of a voice in practice and games and I had to be able to hold people accountable and speak up more.
The team then finished 9-8. H after losing it´s first 9 games. How proud were you of the team being able to turn the season around? Very proud, I think we took a big step in the right direction in the second half of the season and became one of the most dangerous teams to face being at the bottom of the table. We were able to win against some top teams in the league and proved how good we could really be.
How special was ultra veteran Dyon Doekhi? What could you learn from him?
I think Dyon taught me how to stay calm in these situations where you’re not winning games and you don’t really know what to do, but he always stayed levelheaded.
What were the battles like against Anthony Watkins who has BBL experience? Is sky still the limit?
This past season I got really close with Anthony and now he’s like a brother to me and I always appreciated his work ethic and his attitude. He always played in the practices like he would play in the game and that only made me better and our team better and I believe the sky is the limit for him because he’s still young and athletic and has so much more to give
How special was big man Duje Dujmovic? What will he be able to give the Dragons Rhondorf this season?
Duje played with so much confidence and had no fear with taking big shots when someone at his age might not be ready for the moment and many games He stepped up Big for us. He’ll be able to give the Dragons consistent shooting and constant energy while still developing his skills.
You averaged 16.8ppg, 6.1rpg, 3.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 77.9%. What school grade would you give your season? I would say a B-. I think overall it was a good individual season for me but at the end of the day if you can’t win games, then your stats really don’t matter and that’s how I took the season and hope to change that for the next season.
How did your game grow under head coach Allen Ray. What part of your game improved most? Coach Allen is another person that I built a strong relationship with this past season and his attention to detail is what made me a better player when he arrived. The little details of the game that most wouldn’t notice Coach Allen made it a point of emphasis when doing individual work and I think that helped me grow as a player. He helped me become a better shooter for sure and added more weapons to my Arsenal.
You had many great games against Itzehoe, Miners and Paderborn. What was your fondest game? I think it was the game against the Miners because we have a lot of history of playing each other and I actually had only won one game against them in 1st regio so was happy to get another against them and Pro B.
Who was your toughest player opponent on the court? I honestly didn’t have one this year but got to go up against many talented guys.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Anthony Watkins? Believe it or not I don’t think we actually played 1v1 against each other.
Congrats on signing with Pro B team Lok Bernau. You and I knew that you could play Pro A. Was there any offers or interest from the Pro A? Thank you, no there weren’t any offers according to my agent.
How excited are you to play for Lok Bernau? How appealing was it playing for Alba Berlin farm team?
I’m very excited to play for Bernau and I think it’s going to be a very good year and we have goals to move up a league in the next years and I really think we have a good chance and just excited to get there and get started. Playing on the Alba Berlin Farm team could be good for me if I’m able to get some practices with the first team and experience how they move and operate. I would be grateful for the opportunity but also looking forward to the season with Bernau.
How did the talks go with Dan Oppland. What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy? I talked with Coach Dan, a couple of times before making my decision to sign and each talk was very good. I know that he loves to play fast, which is what I love to do as well so I think we will mesh just fine and he wants me to be the leader for the young guys and help develop their game as well which I’m up for the challenge.
You will be near Berlin. What are you looking forward to most about getting to know Germanys capital Berlin? I was in Berlin for 3 months with the Berlin braves but wasn’t able to explore the city too much but looking forward to change that this year and really see the city and what it has to offer.
What will you be looking forward to most with this new challenge? You will be a leader for some of Germany´s biggest talents. I think just being a part of their development and everyday grind. They already have the winning experience and practicing with Alba so I just want to do my part and help where I can.
Did you do anything special this summer like travel to a new place?
I went to Los Angeles for the first time which was great and will go to Chicago for the first time as well and really looking forward to that. Also went back to my hometown in Tulsa, Oklahoma and always enjoy my time there.
On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can make the next step in your game with lok Bernau? I really want to up my assists this season so just working on making the right plays and sharp passes on time. Also of course my outside shooting as I want to increase my 3pt% this year too.
It´s always Jordan vs Lebron in the GOAT debate but why isn´t Kareem ever mentioned? I think maybe because he wasn’t as flashy as the others and playing in the 70s/80s era which some considered to be less competitive.
Noah Kamdem (198-C-1998) is a 26 year old 198cm center that has enjoyed a 10 year plus career. He will play his 4th season with the CATL Basketball Loewen Erfurt (ProB). He has been a real basketball traveler in Germany having played with Troster Breitengussbach, Nurnberg, Herzogenaurach, Team Ehingen, Rolstock, PS Karlsruhe, Schwenningen, Coburg, Frankfurt and Elchingen. He spoke to eurobasket about his basketball career.
You will play a 5th season with the Lowen in Erfurt. Did you remain mostly because of the family atmosphere? Yes I did. It is a real family atmosphere.
Has it become like a second home for you? Yes it has. My son was born here and my girlfriend is from here. Everything fit.
What makes the Basketball Lowen such a special organization? It is a special club, because I feel like we can achieve something with this program. We are still waiting for the new practice gym. I feel like when that is ready, then we will make the next step in the direction of the Pro A.
Paul Albrecht like you also keeps remaining in Erfurt and loves the club. How special oof a teammate has he been for you and how ha she helped your game most? He is a super teammate and guy. I always am able to learn something new from him. He is more experienced than me and has played at a higher level than I have. He is an even more allrounder than I am. I always try to soak up something new from him.
You played parts of 2 seasons in Frankfurt. What was your fondest moment there?
I really enjoyed my time there. Frankfurt is where I established my post up game. I feel like I belong to the best big men in the Pro B now. I was really fortunate to have had a coach like Sepehr Tarrah who really taught me the moves and improve my ball handling. Nobody can stop me inside.
How proud are you of guys like Jordan Samare and Alex Richardson who all made the next step after Frankfurt? I am super proud of both of them. I hope they stay fit. I feel like both will reach the BBL.
In the 2019-2020 season you played in Schwenningen, Coburg and Frankfurt and covid came. How tough was this season? What did you learn from this season? I learned that no matter where you are, you have to keep working hard on the game. All you need is a ball to get better. You can always get better even if the coach has different ideas.
Why did you never have a long Pro A career? I think that everything has to fit. I feel like the conditions are very good in Erfurt to reach the Pro A. I think all in all, you can improve more if you play a lot instead of playing sparse minutes in the Pro A. I think that my drive and shot will help me get to the higher level.
You played a season with PS Karlsruhe. I´m sure you learned a lot from Maurice Pluskota?
Yes of course I did. I was lucky that when he was injured, I was able to start for a few months and got good minutes. I played very good pick and roll defense in that span. We reached the last 8th place for the playoffs. I showed that I could perform at a high level. I think that I made the wrong decision to go to Schwenningen after that season.
How tough was your Pro B season in Rostock? Did you get a fair chance?
It was tough in Rostock. They chose Dennis Teuchert before me. Daniel Lopez was vital for me that season. He was my mentor. They had a small rotation, but I still learned a lot practicing twice a day.
There were so many great character guys in Rostock like Brandon Lockhart, Jordan Talbert, Chris Frazier, Bill Borekambi or Zaire Thompson. Who had the biggest impact on you? I think that Lopez had a big impact on me as did Bill Borekambi and Jordan Talbert. Zaire Thompson also had a big impact on me. They didn´t use him the right way.
You played a season in Ehingen. You were teammates with Kam Taylor. If someone had told you then that he would become a Euroleague player soon what would you have thought?
That was Kam´s rookie season. From his awareness and athleticism, you could have thought that. He was such a hard worker and was a super teammate. You don´t always get that from Americans. He was funny and was always ready to help me. He never thought that he was better than you.
You played some years in Breitengussbach. Did you have a mentor? I lived 3 years with Andi Obst and Leon Kratzer was my teammate. Mirko Petrich was like a mentor. He did a good job there. Now he is with Alba Berlin. He was always very heartfelt. Mario Dugandzic also was super and helped me a lot especially off the court.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your career? Isaiah Hartenstein
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Andi Obst, Daniel Keppeler, Leon Kratzer, Bill Borekambi, Dominykas Pleta
Please name your NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore. Lebron James. Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Joel Embild
Kyle Hines, Luka Doncic, Marcus Slaughter, Brandon Roberts Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder, Andi Obst, Franz Wagner
Marc Friederici (188-PG-2001) is a 24 year old 188cm guard playing his first season with Pro B team ETB Miners Essen. He played the last 2 years with the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt (ProB) averaging 10.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 82.5% and last season averaged 7.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 76.6% helped them move up to the Pro A. He also has had further experience with WSG Koenigs Wusterhausen, Dresden Titans and Lok Bernau. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Marc for talking to germanhoops.com and congrats on a great season with Wolmirstedt. I always thought Wolmirstedt was deep but was Leverkusen possibly the deeper team? I felt like we were very deep. Leverkusen wasn´t necessarily deeper than us, but more experienced. They played both final games as disciplined as every other regular season game. They were simply better. That they only lost one game in the season was no coincidence.
How tough was the 76-53 loss at home? You split the season series 1-1, but hadn´t played against them since 4 months. How were they better than in January 2025 when you last played them?
You noticed how unbelievable they played at both ends. A big part of that was their good scouting. They knew exactly how and where to defend.
Leverkusen defended very well and with Dennis Heinzman in the middle a real rim protector. How key was the rebounding and lack of three point shooting for the loss? Dennis was a danger for everyone in the league. That was no surprise. Our three point shooting really hurt us.
Wolmirstedt has always been very ambitious and has wanted to move up since years. If someone had told you in September 2023 that the team would move up in 2025 what would you have thought? I think that nobody would have believed it and we would of laughed about it. However moving up was always a team goal for us. We had a very strong season and it was time to move up. It was no surprise for me.
What is so special about the Wolmirstedt basketball culture? What have you learned to appreciate most about the organization?
The club is very close and it has a family atmosphere. At the same time we have goals and a clear vision of what we wanted to achieve. It has been like that for years and not only since I arrived. I think it will continue. I think without this attitude you don´t move up. Remember only a few years ago, the club was playing Regionalliga.
The chemistry was great and the team scored a lot and belonged to the best defensive teams in the Pro B north. What was this season´s team´s biggest strength? Perhaps “TEAM” as there was no big star? Your correct. Team was our biggest strength. We didn´t have to rely on one guy. Even when Derreck and Boggy carried us, we still had others who could jump in and make an impact at any time.
How key was head coach Eiko Potthast in the success? What do you believe was his biggest strength as a coach`? I feel that we were able to find our roles. He did a good job letting us come down after intensive phases so we would be able to come fresh into the next game. The balance between freedom and coming down helped us as players very much.
Let´s talk a little about your teammates. Bill Borekambi has been there since 2021 and one of the leaders. He is a walking bucket and can score in so many ways. What do you appreciate most about his game and what is your favorite move from him? You notice quickly that Bill is very experienced. Especially in the playoffs and key games, he played a vital role for our success. He has moved up something like 4-5 times in his career and that doesn´t remain unnoticed. At the same time he is a really nice and cool guy that is always in a good mood. A normal player makes a lay up and he makes a fade away jumper. That is his lay up.
Talk a little about the 2 American imports Derreck Brooks Jr. and Eamonn Joyce. What did you appreciate most about their# games this season? Derreck is a really nice guy. We weren´t so close at the start. He just needs some time to open up. But he became a mentor for me. We went through some similar situations as players. He gave me a lot of tips. He is a player that does what the team needs. Eamon is very open. We talked a lot. I really respect his attitude. He is ambitious and a winner. Even after a bad game, he can calm down. That isn´t common.
Martin Bogdanov is also one of the leaders. How vital has his game and leadership been for the success? Martin was one of our most important building blocks. No matter what we needed, he was there on and off the court. He decided many games for us. He knows exactly what he can and can´t do. He just does it.
Fabien Kondo made a huge jump in his game from last season. Was he one of the most improved players on the squad? Yes definately The coaches trusted him and he paid it back with good play.
You averaged 7/2/1 stats. You played a few minutes per game than last season. How content were you with your game?
I wasn´t 100% content and awaited more from myself. I feel like during the season, I was able to concentrate on the things that I can control. Then I found my game again. I got stronger mentally and that is just as important as stats.
How have you seen your game grow in the last 2 seasons with Wolmirstedt? I proved that I got better as a defender.
What was your favorite personal game this season? Perhaps your 18 points in the game 3 win over Essen? My 2 favorite games were the 2 final games even if we lost them. I gained a lot of experience and learned a lot.
Who was the toughest team that you faced in the pro B this season?
Leverkusen.
You come from a big basketball family and have brothers Leon and Vince. What has each brother given you that has helped you on the court most?
Leon taught me always to give all I have and never to give up. I picked up the calmness from Vince. I should stay calm even when something doesn´t work out right away.
Who wins in a 1-1 on the court between you and Leon and Vince?
Gavin Ware (206-F/C-1993, college: MSU) is a 31 year old 206cm forward from Mississippi playing his 10th pro season with Limoges CSP Elite (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). He played 4 seasons with JDA Dijon Bourgogne (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). He has also gained experience in countries like Belgium and Japan. He began his basketball career at Starkville high school. He then played at Mississippi State (NCAA) from 2012-2016 playing a total of 124 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Gavin for talking to germanhoops.com You finished your 9th professional season and 6th in France. Can one say that France has become your second home? Yes, France is definitely a home away from home. Unfortunately, I´m still learning French after being here for many years. But it works for me. Honestly, I never would’ve thought a kid like me from a small town in Mississippi would have the opportunity to explore the world in my lifetime. But 6 years later now I feel like a local French man. And the experience is amazing.
Your played your fourth season with JDA Dijon Bourgogne (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). What is really interesting is that it was your third tour of duty with them. That is very rare. Have you ever thought about why you hadn´t just remained there from your first season in 2018?
Not often, but I tend to reminisce on the different routes I could’ve taken in my career. But time doesn’t go backwards. So whether it was a good decision or not, I have made the most of my career in a positive way.
What makes the JDA Dijon Bourgogne (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) organization so special? What have you learned to appreciate most from the experience?
Dijon is a college town with all different professional sporting teams here. JDA being the biggest sports team here, we have a professional standard we have to respect. From meetings to practice to Gameday. We do things the right way and with the JDA identity. I have appreciated the acceptance I receive from the fans, coaches, and teammates. The people within this organization are caring, and have your best interest in mind. Even if there are problems, we tend to find solutions fairly quick.
One of your teammates with JDA Dijon Bourgogne (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) was lifer and legend David Holston. How much fun was it playing with him and have you ever played with a point guard that could find you as good as he can? It’s just amazing to witness a guy who, despite being small in stature, is able to achieve such greatness throughout his career. Is a great guard to play with and he holds his teammates accountable.
What was it like playing with German veteran Christian Sengfelder and young German Joshua Obiesie? What have you learned to appreciate most about their games? I actually appreciate the German style of play. Chris is an absolute work horse when he steps on that court. Keeping up with him in practice is always a good test for our upcoming games for that week.
What was it like playing with young French player Allan Dekossi? Are you like a mentor for him? Allan is a very athletic player. You honestly have to be aware of where is he is one the court. With his highflying abilities you can get dunked on. We are teammates and good friends. Not necessarily a mentor but I do advise him and other guys on certain life things off the court.
One that really has stood out in your game in France is that in all 6 years where you have balled there you have averaged around 12/6. How important is consistency and efficiency as you continue to get older? It’s very important to keep that level of consistency throughout my career. First and foremost, this is a business. So in order to keep getting offers and moving up in my career I just have to “do my Job”. No one else can do it for me. If I want to succeed and live comfortably, every time I step out on the court I have to be a dog.
In 2023-2024 you played your second season in Japan and first with Fukuoka Rizing (Japan-B2 League), You had played previously in Japan 4 years ago. How much has the Japan B2 league grown in that time?
The Japanese league has grown tremendously. But the fans there have always supported teams in their respective city. It’s a very competitive league in the Asian region.
You had your second tour of duty with JDA Dijon Bourgogne (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) 2021-2023 averaging 11.3ppg, 5.9rpg, FGP: 59.0%, FT: 68.2%; and in the BCL averaged 11.3ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 63.0%, FT: 64.7% and in your second season averaged 10.8ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 63.0%, 3PT-3 (50.0%), FT: 81.6%; and in the BCL: averaged 13.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP-2 (70.9%), FT: 76.9%. Was this the best basketball that you played in your career?
I believe my first year with JDA Dijon was one of memorable time in my career because went to the playoffs and the team had such a great chemistry.
In the 20-21 season you played with BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) averaging 12.8ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 63.0%, FT: 71.6%. What kind of an experience was that and what do you remember being your fondest moment there? Gravelines is a costal town so very quiet and peaceful in that area. I played there during covid so pretty much everything was shut down except for the gym, where I spent a lot of time.
In 2019-2020 you balled for the Kumamoto Volters (Japan-B2 League) averaging 18.9ppg, 12.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT-1 (50.0%), FT: 66.4%. You were a double double monster and even eclipsed 20 rebounds in a game twice. Did it sometimes feel like being a man among boys?
Of course. I felt like Shaq during that time. Also it was my first year in the Japanese league so I had to make a name for myself being the new guy there.
In 2018-2019 you had your first tour of duty with JDA Dijon Bourgogne (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) averaging 12.4ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 58.2%, 3PT-1 (50.0%), FT: 79.8%; and in the BCL averaged 11.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 55.8%, FT: 75.9%. There you were teammates with the great Tarence Kinsey. What memories do you have of an older guy on the verge of retiring? Terrence is a very cool guy. He’s very laid-back but also he is about his business. His character lights up a room And he always kept the guys laughing in the locker room. I didn’t play with him much, but watching film and playing alongside him on the court was something to watch. Even though he was an older guy, you could still see the athletic abilities he had, and that was rare for a guy at his age.
In the 2017-2018 season you played with Levallois Metropolitans (France-ProA) averaging 12.2ppg, Reb-5 (6.6rpg), 1.0apg, FGP: 61.7%, FT: 73.6%; and in the Eurocup averaged 11.6ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 62.5%. After a strong rookie season in Belgium you adjusted well to a top league in France. How did your game grow that season?
Moving from Belgium to France was a big jump in competition. Belgium is a great league for first year professional guys. The French league opened my eyes to the competition that is in Europe. I had to figure out what type of player I was going to be in this league. When I came into this league, there were a lot of big men. However, I focused on my defensive abilities, and also my playmaking abilities. To have these qualities gave me an edge against my opponent.
You were teammates with ultra veteran Louis Campbell. What memories do you have of him and was that one of the other great point guards that you played with?
Louis played a big part in helping me understand the X’s and O’s of the game. Being in Europe for a long time and playing on great teams, he showed me how to be efficient and be a big presence once I’m on floor. Off the court he gave me advice about life and how I should carry myself as in American in Europe.
You plalyed your rookie season with Port of Antwerp Giants (Belgium-Euromillions League) averaging 13.6ppg, 6.5rpg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 23.1%, FT: 69.2%;and in the FIBA Europe Cup averaged 13.8ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 82.9%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew you were far away from home?
Just landing on the plane in Belgium was a big wake up call for me. I had heard stories about the overseas life, but to live it was an experience that I will never forget. The way I ate and carried myself off the court had to always be professional. Because everyone in the city sees a big guy and automatically knows that he plays for the team in that city.
You had some great teammates with Jason Clark and Mike Smith. What made this team so special that won the cup?
Those guys were already vets once I finally came overseas. So learning from them on how to be efficient and successful in eurobasket really help me out a lot. It didn’t take us long to realize we had a good team that year. So we capitalized on everyone’s talents that game and came home with the cup.
You played at Mississippi State University (NCAA) from 2012-2016 playing a total of 124 games. You were a very consistent player but your game took a jump in your senior year. How did your game grow that season?
I had more responsibilities when it came to my final year at MSU. So I had to lead by example. So if I was going to make my team better, I had to give more than 100% every game.
As a freshman you lost to North Carolina and Kentucky. Do you remember a certain player as standing out most from those that would reach the NBA? Not really I can’t remember that far back. I don’t know who was on those teams then. But playing against those teams allows you to learn a lot about yourself as a player and your IQ in basketball.
How did head coaches Rick Ray and Ben Howland groom and prepare you best for a professional career? All the hard killer workouts and different training methods I learned while at MSU were the main thing that I took from college to the pros.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Travis Daniels? Me of course. Travis is a great pf/sf but in a 1v1 that’s all me lol.
Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?
Karl Anthony Towns
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
David Holston (pro) Bryce Washington (pro) Jacolby Mobley (high school) Ryan Pearson (pro) Ryan Anderson (pro)
What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Lebron, Steph Surry, Shaq, Kevin Durant, Kyrie
Who is your GOAT?
Because I’m a center, I’ll only speak for my position. The only answer is Shaq. He was an animal on the court. No one could stop him from scoring.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? –
No lol. They did an amazing job on the sequel. They brought back all the starts from the first one which made it so much more special.
Michael Williams is a professional basketball player with experience at the combine academy. He also gathered experience at Young Harris College and Southern Wesleyan. He recently played at the Mastercage combine in Italy. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the Mastercage Combine
Thanks Michael for talking to germanhoop.com. You just took part at the MasterCage combine in Italy. If you could describe the experience in one sentence how would it be?
Thank you Miles for giving me another opportunity for another interview! It is kind of hard to speak about my entire experience of the MasterCage Combine in one sentence, but I would say that I enjoyed my time at the combine and that if I had the chance to take part in the experience again, I would do it in a heartbeat.
You played games against European competition. How did you like the style of play overseas?
The style of play in Europe is everything that I expected it to be as far as the pace of the game goes. I feel like the tournament style of the combine allowed everyone one to just play freely instead of having so many set plays to slow down the game.
How do you feel was your game able to best adjust to the way the game is played overseas?
Mentally I feel like I was ready for the style of play overseas because I have studied and trained for it. My basketball trainer back home Ryan Breazeale always stresses studying the game and learning how to make the right reads so that is something I have slowly become better at over a period of time.
Talk a little about your own play. If you had to give it a grade what would you give it?
If I were to grade my play I would give myself a C- and a teammate grade of an A. I wasn’t able to do much on the offensive end other than shoot Catch-and Shoot 3s because of a calf sprain that I am dealing with. I was limited in movement offensively, but on the defensive end I was able to hold my ground for the most part and still pick up 94 feet despite the nagging injury. From an energy and effort standpoint I was always clapping for others and giving positive energy when I was on the court or on the bench.
How do you feel did your game grow in the short time?
I think I learned more about how I need to grow my game in order to keep developing into the player that I want to become going forward. This experience gave me the chance to play against professional competition and see where I am at. I now know that I am able to hold my own so now, it’s just about consistent work in the gym and the weight room and being ready for the next opportunity.
Talk about your favorite game?
I liked all the games and did not really have a favorite game but each game came with its own set of circumstances and vibe to it. Some games were played earlier in the evening while some were played later at night. This affected how many people were in the crowd. Games played earlier in the evenings would not be as crowded and were more relaxed, while the games that were played later at night were so packed there were hardly any seats for fans to sit in and the energy was higher from the crowd. Certain games we had to strategize and play differently because of either how fast, tall, or strong the other team was. All this together made each game unique and just as fun as the next.
Did you have a favorite play like a dunk or game winner?
I would not say that I had a favorite play but the best moment was when we got our win in the last game. We had worked hard in each game prior and actually lost a game with a buzzer beater and it was irritating. We hated how we had gotten so close in some cases and still came up short. We got out of a hard slump and to finally get that win in the last game made it even better.
How did you get along with the other Americans Like Rathen Carter, Tyler Watkins and Miles Mcdougal?
Rathen, Tyler, and Miles, were a good group of guys. I was the youngest out of the group so I went in with the mindset to just learn as much as I could. I roomed with Rathen so I got to ask him more questions about his experiences playing overseas, the injuries that he has dealt with, his day-to-day life back home, and how he navigated handling relationships and responsibilities back home while being halfway around the world. I just listened and absorbed as much as I could to apply it to my situation.
How was it spending time with Ronald Howard (181-PG-1984, college: Mayville St.)? What was the most important piece of advice that he gave you?
Coach Ron was not able to directly attend the MasterCage Combine in Italy. Coach Ron has a lot going on back home with training sessions and with taking care of his family, so I totally understood why he was not able to be there with us. He did still take time in between each game to have individual meetings with us over the phone to let us know what we needed to do to improve individually, as a team, and what coaches or GMs were saying about us. The best piece of advice that Coach Ron gave me was to continue to keep finding ways to get my shot off as a smaller guard with fakes and pull ups. He also said to continue to expand my game beyond just shooting to become a better all around scorer because more will be expected of me as an import in any overseas market.
What is the next step for you? Did you meet any coaches or GM´s that could assist you with a job?
My next steps are to take care of nagging injuries and get 100% healthy to get back in the gym to keep improving my game to be ready for new opportunities when they arise. I did not get the chance to talk with any coaches or GMs directly. They only spoke to Coach Ron about me about what I needed to do to improve my game.
What did you like most about Italy? Did you eat pasta every day?
What was not to like? The people were really welcoming for the most part. I met a lot of cool people and developed many new relationships with Italian teammates and locals. The food was great, but I tried my best to switch it up a little bit everyday because I got tired of the pizza and pasta pretty fast. Breakfast was always eggs, bacon, pineapple slices, Greek yogurt, and orange juice but after workouts we would go to different restaurants or grocery stores to get our food.
If you could visit another country in Europe tomorrow what would it be?
If I could visit any country in Europe tomorrow it would probably be Spain.
Viktor Ziring (187-SG-1998) is a 27 year old 187c guard that began last season with Giessen and then moved to the bayer Giants Leverkusen helping them win the Pro b title averaging 8.7ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 64.3%. he began his career with the Giessen Pointers and Giessen 46ers youth teams and then played 3 seasons with Pro B team Iserlohn Kangaroos playing 58 games. He then played 2 seasons with the Depant Giessen 46ers Rackelos Second Team (ProB) and in 23-24 played with the EN Baskets Schwelm (ProB) averaging 8.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 53.7%He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.
Thanks Viktor for talking to germanhoops.com. Let´s talk about your game. Your averaged 8/2/1 this season with Leverkusen and shot 43% from outside. How content were you with your season with Leverkusen? I think I contributed to a great Leverkusen season. At the same time there is always room for improvement. I don’t think that I reached my full potential as a player yet. I think I showed that I can be a dangerous threat from the outside this season. However, I know I can also be a better playmaker for others and I can´t only rely on my three – point shot. All in all, I happy with my season, but next season I want to be even better.
Leverkusen had a great guard rotation with Brach, you, Kahl and Djordevic. What exactly was your role on the team?
I think my role was to come off the bench and first and foremost keep the energy high. Depending on how the games where going my role would change. Sometimes it was about leading the second group and organizing the game. Then in other games I might need to score more. Or sometimes it was just to give the other guys who were in a great rhythm that day a breather. My personal goal was always to play great defense first and then let the game come to me. Our coaches did a great job coaching us during the games, so like I said there would be different roles in different games.
You had many great games with Leverkusen like scoring 18 points against Schwelm and Paderborn. What was your favorite game with Leverkusen?
My favorite game was the second semi-final game in Bernau. We were down 20 in the first quarter and we made a huge comeback over the whole game to secure promotion to ProA. I think I gave the team a huge energy boost when I subbed in and really made some impact plays throughout that game. However, I also really enjoyed the game against Paderborn, because it was my first home game in Leverkusen and it felt really good to be appreciated by the fans this quick after I arrived here.
What is the next step for you? Will you remain with Leverkusen? Yes I will stay with Leverkusen next season.
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Sebastian Brach? I think if I am honest Manni will probably win. I am not really the best 1 on 1 player. But it would be close.
You began the season with Giessen averaging 2,1ppg in 7.9 minutes per game. Do you feel like you got a fair chance? Looking back at the situation in Giessen it is difficult to say if it was a fair chance or not. They had a really stacked guard rotation with only import ProA veterans. For me was most important that during my time in Giessen I kept working hard, tried to learn as much as possible from the other players and at the end of the day leave everything on the court that I had. The rest was not in my own hands.
How vital was it for your game going up against talented American guards Kyle Catlin and Kevin Mcclain? How did they make you better?
Kyle was like a big brother to me throughout the whole season. Already in pre-season we noticed quickly that we have a similar work ethic and just like to be in the gym and work on our game. Going up against him almost every day in practice helped my improvement a lot. He also gave me lots of advice in many different aspects which I appreciate a lot. From Kevin I also tried to learn a lot. Going up against him in practice was sometimes really challenging because on offense he has so many weapons. I tried to pick up some of his movements. Also his work ethic was really high, so I spent lots of extra hours with him in the gym as well.
You began your career with Giessen. Despite having to leave this season, will Giessen always be your home? How special is the organization?
I am originally from Giessen. So yes Giessen will always be my home in some way. It was a great honor and a dream come true to play for this club. Unfortunately, in sports not all dreams that become true stay like a dream. So it was difficult, but right to leave Giessen during the season.
You played in your youth with Lucas Mayer. Have you followed his career? He has evolved into a solid Pro A player. Is he in a way also a like a role model?
I am really happy for Lucas and the way things turned out for him. He is a great player and an even better guy. I hope he keeps progressing and I wish him all the best. To say he is a role model would be a little bit too much. Everybody has his own path and I am happy to see him during the summer in Giessen and next season.
You then played 3 seasons with Iserlohn where you played 58 Pro B games but never averaged more than 2,0ppg. How tough were these years? Did you feel like you would get a chance after every season ended?
My first 3 years in Iserlohn were filled with lots of learning experiences on and off the court. Looking back these years were definitely tough and challenging, because things didn’t turn out the way that I expected them to. But I am really grateful for all of these 3 seasons, because I met so many people like Donte, Chris, Nikita, Elijah and so many that the list would be too long now. On court, things didn’t go my way, but that is all part of the journey.
Do you feel like the Dahmen and Schwarz brothers were the reason you played so little? Despite that I´m sure the daily battles in practice made you better over the years? I approached every practice during that time like I do today. Work hard and give everything I got. And that’s why I continuously improved. During that time the Dahmen and Schwarz brothers were ahead of me in the rotation and I had to accept that.
You had some great teammates in Iserlohn with Elijah Allen, Nikita Kharchenkov and Chris Frazier just to name a few. Was there a player that had a big impact on you in those 3 years?
Like you said, I met so many great teammates and a lot of them had an impact on me. However, the teammates I bonded with the most in these 3 years are Chris, Elijah and Donte. I am happy that I can call all these guys not just teammates but also friends. All of them had a big impact on me, because they were all trying to help me and make me a better player. Elijah for example still goes in the gym with me during the summer and works out with me. Chris and I talk a lot and he still gives me advice. Donte and I became teammates again and had a great chemistry, because we knew each other before.
You then returned back to Giessen. The first season was tough with Covid but in your second season you averaged 6.2ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 70.6%. How do you remember that season? You were reunited again with Donte Nicholas?
The second season back in Giessen with the Rackelos was really cool. I finally got a bigger chance to play on the ProB level. At the same time even though I wasn’t a double license player anymore I got the chance to practice most of the time with the BBL team. I really have to say thank you to Pete Strobl for this chance, because he allowed me to practice with them daily and showed me a completely new level on how to think about basketball and the IQ aspect of the game. After the season, I was happy that I could finally play more minutes and prove myself more. I knew I still had lots of work to do, but I finally felt like I had shown that I could be a useful player on this level.
You then played a season with the EN Baskets Schwelm averaging 8.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 53.7%. There you were reunited with Chris Frazier. You lost a tough 3 game palyoff series against Koblenz. What memories do you have of that season?
I mostly have good memories on that season in Schwelm. It was really cool to play with Chris again. However, I remember that we underperformed that season as a team and we had lots of injuries. If you just look at the roster with Chris and CJ and the import we had at the beginning of the season as our leaders, you would expect us to most likely finish in the top 5. I believe we kind of redeemed ourselves a little bit for really challenging Koblenz in the first round of the playoffs in pushing the series to 3 games, but overall I think we as a team never reached our full potential that season. For me personally, it was a really important season because I also gained more responsibility over time.
Last season you returned to Iserlohn averaging 11.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 4.8apg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 75.0%. How good did it feel to return and have such a great season? Personally that was my best season so far and I am proud that I developed into a player who can have an impact on the game. However, we as a team missed the playoffs which to me is always more important than individual stats. I am very grateful that I got the chance to play for Dennis Shirvan and Toni Prostran who both helped me a lot in my personal development as a person and player during this difficult season.
You saw a raw Malick Kordel who had his Pro B break through in Frankfurt this season and will play in the NCAA now. How good is he? Did you already see signs last season that he has a big future?
Malik is a natural force. If he keeps working hard and stays focused on the important things in basketball he really has no limits. The things he can do with his athleticism and height are incredible. I tried to talk a lot to him about work ethic and staying humble and hungry. I hope he stays healthy and if he keeps working hard we will see where ends up.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced that reached the NBA?
Isaiah Hartenstein.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Robin Benzing
Donte Nicholas
Elijah Allen
Chris Fraizer
Kyle Castlin
Please name your NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore meaning your 4 best players of all time for each category?
NBA: Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Steph Curry
Euro: Milos Teodosic, Mike James, Vassilis Spanoulis, Facundo Campazzo
German: Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schröder, Andi Obst, Franz Wagner
Mikah Blackwell (198-F, college: ACU) is a 198cm player that played his rookie season overseas in Ireland with Killarney Cougars averaging 26/8/2/2 stats. He grew up in Norfolk Virginia and palaed at Granby high school. He played a season at Copper Mopuntain College (JUCO) averaging 18.5ppg, 9.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.5spg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 72.7% and then played 2 seasons at Arizona Christian University (NAIA) averaging 10.5ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 63.2%, 3PT: 27.7%, FT: 71.8% and.9ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.7%. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.
Thanks Mikah for talking to eurobasket.com Your played your rookie season in Ireland. What kind of an experience was it coming from Virginia to Ireland? What was the biggest adjustment coming from the States?
Coming from Virginia to Ireland hasn’t been much of a difference other than driving on the left side. Only real adjustment is being consistent. You’re 3,500 miles away from your comfort zone, family, and friends you have to create a consistent schedule, adjust to your surroundings, and time zone in a short period of time.
How blessed do you feel being able to come overseas? It is rare that guys from NAIA get an opportunity like this. Do take every day like it could be your last? Beyond blessed. God has plans for me and has opened so many doors that I never imagined myself walking through. From my recruiting experience, NAIA players don’t receive the recognition or respect and it did in fact challenge me mentally this summer. I haven’t felt this much pressure to prove myself ever, but I know God brought me here for a reason and I plan to make the absolute best of this opportunity.
Do you have a chip on your shoulder? It seems like you will never see a day where you won´t have to be proving yourself on the court to someone?
It’s more of a chip on my shoulder to myself. The work I put in when no one is watching is a lot tougher than a training session or team practice because I am my biggest critic.
What was it like playing for Ron Howard? He has made a name for himself for more than a decade to get guys from low college leagues to get pro contracts. How blessed do you feel having a guy like that in your corner?
Coach Ron’s vision for me is probably way bigger than my own goals & aspirations & I feel that energy. He’s very much personal and professional. He’s big brother and then he flips the switch and he is in coach mode. What he does for players and how he networks and interacts with players is phenomenal. He’s a winner, a good father, a husband, man if integrity & passion, I couldn’t have received a better coach for my rookie season.
What did you learn to appreciate most about Ron Howard´s coaching ability and his overall character?
No matter your status, your situation, or circumstances he’s always going to tell you the truth. I feel like that’s a lost trait in today’s coaching is telling players the truth and also accepting feedback or criticism as a head coach. Coach Ron is very basketball knowledgeable and equally transparent.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?
My NBA synergy comparison last year was John Collin’s so that’s statistically my NBA comparison. I favor more of the small forward positions like Tracy Mcgrady, Rudy Gay, Kelly Oubre type of style. Paul George is my favorite player and 1 thing they all home in common is midrange game and footwork which I try to implement in my style of play.
Your three pointer is still a work in progress. Is your three pointer something that you will continue to work on diligently overseas?
Wasn’t getting many reps in shooting three pointers which also went hand in hand with my confidence in game. Shout out Steven Whitley assistant men’s basketball coach at Norfolk State University helped me a lot this summer really locking in to expand my range as well as create separation and working on a quicker release.
You are also a very active defender. Would you call yourself a lock down type of player? Where do you want your defensive game to go to in next years? I don’t like getting scored on so I think that’s fuels me the most to tune in on the defensive end. A lock down? Probably not, I honestly watch a lot of film and anticipate a lot of actions so it’s more of having an iq on defense. For the years to come just want to be able to play the best competition possible to really develop my defensive skills and be considered a lock down defender
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? Having the ball in my hands more, making reads as a guard, being a great supporter & leader to my teammates. Playing free is the main focus, the outcome of my performance does not define who I am. But to trust and allow God to use me.
You began your career at Copper Mountain College (JUCO) averaging 18.5ppg, 9.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.5spg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 72.7%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have said that it was a real grind, but one they wouldn´t have traded for the world. How was it for you? Lord, California Juco has its own category of grind by itself. It definitely prepared me for overseas life. I’ve had the worst most stressful days of my life in juco but I also had the best times of my life. Stories and memories I can tell for days, years to come. Friends I consider family that I talk to everyday. You really have to love basketball and the grind to go to California Juco, it’s not for everyone I promise you that.
You then played 2 seasons with Arizona Christian University (NAIA) averaging 10.5ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 63.2%, 3PT: 27.7%, FT: 71.8% and 10,9ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.7%. How did your game grow in these 2 years under Jeff Rutter? My game grew more mentally than physically I understood what I was walking into committing to at ACU. A team full of guys who could score just as good or even better than me. I knew in order for me to see the floor I was going to have to stand out so I told myself I’m going to be the best defender in the gym and told my dad my goal was to get DPOY. Which I won 2 years in a row.
You reached the NAIA Elite 8 in 2023 losing 67-64 against Indiana Tech. How tough was that loss and what will you never forget from that game? We lost by 3 points and for the longest I would think to myself “I know I could’ve given us 4 more points”. So yeah it stung but also added fuel to the following season. Even though we lost in NAIA sweet 16 it was just a blessing to make it back to that stage.
Was the incredible 96-95 over Masters where you scored 24 points winning the GSAC title one of your favorite memories in the NAIA?
The Masters game for the conference championship was definitely one of my favorite moments at ACU. It was always a fun battle going against Caleb Lowry so to get the win for conference was definitely special.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Bryce Davis? I don’t think BD wanted the smoke.
Who was the best player that you battled in your life that went to the NBA? Let’s see, there’s a few. Matt Coleman was always special to watch but to play against he was different. Keyonte Johnson for the Oklahoma City thunder & Dereon Seabron for the Detroit Pistons were my matchups in high school.
Who were your 5 best teammates of all-time? Ahh don’t do this to me. Dennis flowers, Trent Hudgens, Tyler Hudson, Paul Hayden, Dillion Voyles
What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
Allen Iverson, MJ, PG, Kobe, Lebron
Who is your GOAT?
Podcast P, pg13, pg8, Paul George game is just therapy I can’t explain it.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? Uhhhhh yeah yeah that’s one of them ones you just don’t touch. Same with Beverly Hills cop and the new axel F like just leave it be
Patrick Lanipekun (195-G-1999, college: Mt.Hood CC) is a 26 year old 195cm guard that was born in London, but also has the Irish citizenship. In the 2024-2025 season he played with Carrick Cruisers (Ireland-Division) averaging 5.9ppg, 5.3rpg, 4.2apg, 2PT: 36.4%, 3PT: 24.2%, FT: 33.3%, then moved to Scotts Lakers St. Paul’s Killarney (Ireland-Division 1) averaging 10.0ppg, 1.5rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg, 2PT: 66.7%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 60.0% In the 2023-2024 season he played with C.B. Aridane (Spain-EBA) averaging 3.3ppg, 3.1rpg, in Feb.’24 moved to BC London Elite (United Kingdom-NBL) averaging 9.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 37.8%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 65.4%. He began his basketball career with Charnwood College (EABL) and then played with the City of London Academy, Southwark (United Kingdom-U19 League). He then played with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (NCAA2) for 2 years averaging 1.5ppg, 1.3rpg and 2.7ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.4apg. He then came back home and played with Mount Hood Community College (JUCO) averaging 4.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.2apg. He then played with the Plymouth City Patriots (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 1.8ppg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Patrick for talking to germanhoops.com. You played your third pro season in Ireland with St Pauls´ Killarney. What kind of an experience has it been playing at home after playing in England and Spain the last 2 years?
It was good, getting to see family again and connect with my Irish side, I used to come here a lot growing up so it’s always been a part of me but now getting to live here as an adult is something special.
How blessed do you feel being able to play the game you love? It is rare that guys from JUCO get an opportunity to play professional basketball. Do take every day like it could be your last? It’s definitely a blessing I get to do what I do and the path I’m on now seems to be a good one so I’m just trusting the process and trying to work every day.
Do you have a chip on your shoulder? It seems like you will never see a day where you won´t have to be proving yourself on the court to someone? I think I play freely without a chip I would say I only have to play for myself and my family so there’s not much pressure that I put on myself
What was it like playing for Ron Howard? He has made a name for himself for more than a decade to get guys from low college leagues to get pro contracts. How blessed do you feel having a guy like that in your corner?
It was great. Getting to work out with him is a great experience, he’s been a pro and gone places I want to get to, but also an amazing guy off the court.
What did you appreciate most about Ron Howard´s coaching ability and his overall character? He is a players first coach and someone that takes time to understand you as a person which is rare in coaching, he knows everyone on the team what they are going through or if they had a tough week and takes it into consideration when coaching which is really good
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 195 cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?
My first player comp would be rondo, I used to watch him play and get to the paint and make decisions and I knew that was the player I would want to be like, also just impacting the game in different ways with high Iq plays, knowing the rules of the game to a T and really studying is something that we both have in common.
You seem to be a guy that can fill the stat sheet. How big is versatility in your game?
Versatility is huge it’s the reason I get most jobs to be honest, my first job I didn’t play the point at all but still found ways to try and impact the game defensively or without the ball, now the ball is in my hands a lot so I get to make decisions and get everyone involved so now it’s just putting the scoring together and I’ll be a full package.
Your three pointer is still a work in progress. Is your three pointer something that you will continue to work on diligently overseas?
Yeh it’s frustrating because I can really shoot lol, most workouts I get in a good rhythm and now it´s more just finding ways to translate to a game, the last preseason game I hit 4 threes and I’m sure I’ll be able to get that more consistent during the year with the amount of reps I take during the week
You are also a very active defender. What kind of defender are you right now? Where do you want your defensive game to go to in next years? I think I’m best guarding the ball and I have good instincts on help side, I think last week I had a ton of deflections now I have to turn those into steals, I like playing defense and when I get to a higher level I’ll have to keep showing that.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? I would say I’m working most on getting reps and just conditioning to be able to play the whole game
After playing at the City of London Academy, Southwark (United Kingdom-U19 League), you came to the States to play at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (NCAA2) averaging 1.5ppg, 1.3rpg and averaging 2.7ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.4apg. Your minutes rose to 9 more in your second season, but you never averaged more than 2,6ppg in a season. How tough were these 2 years not having a big role? What positives could you take from the 2 years? Covid was tough for me, I couldn’t really get in the gym because of the restrictions but I have a lot of love for my UCCS family but being away from home and kind of stuck in my room wasn’t best for me at the time, I definitely learnt a lot and can look at it as an achievement to be able to have played college basketball is something not everyone can do so I’m grateful for that
You then took a few steps back and played at Mount Hood Community College (JUCO) averaging 4.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.2apg. How tough of a pill was it to swallow going from the NCAA 2 to JUCO and again not having a big role?
I wasn’t originally going to go back to school so going to Juco was a last second thing, our team was really good and again I had some good games but it was more so I didn’t pick the right situation to go to, I was more of a facilitator and going to juco you need to be scoring the ball which I didn’t really get to do
You made a big jump from JUCO to the first division in England with Plymouth City Patriots averaging 1,8ppg. Not many JUCO guys make it to a first division in Europe. Once again you didn´t have a big role but played at a high level. What did your game gain most from this experience? Just being around pros is a huge thing for young players had probably two of the best guards in the league in front of me with Elvisi Dusha and Antonio Williams they both have different play styles so getting to learn from them from a guard perspective is huge
Last season you began with C.B. Aridane (Spain-EBA) averaging 3.3ppg, 3.1rpg, in Feb.’24 moved to BC London Elite (United Kingdom-NBL D1) averaging 9.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 37.8%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 65.4%. In Spain you played against Real Madrid 2 and battled some of the biggest talents in Europe. You scored 7 points. What could you take form that game?
I don’t really remember that game but I would say that the young talent in Europe is great, to play against 17/18 year olds and they compete and understand the game was a real eye opener. That as well as the coaching at high programs is amazing to watch
Who was the best player that you battled in your life that went to the NBA? I played against two guys in the league right now when I was in London, both younger than me Tosan Evbuomwan And Jeremy Sochan
Who were your 5 best teammates of all-time?
My top teammates are probably Louis Norton Cuffy, Sesan Russell, Sam Keita, Padiet Wang and Aaron Badibo
What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Mount Rushmore would be Kobe, MJ, Bron And Steph
Who is your GOAT? Lebron James
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I didn’t see the sequel but now I definitely won’t after that review haha, thank you
German Hoops 